Spicy Braised Tofu Recipe (Maeun Dubu Jorim)
Perfect for Meal Prep! Easy & Delicious Spicy Braised Tofu Recipe with a Savory Sauce
I often find myself making side dishes in batches to store in the refrigerator. Among them, braised tofu (Dubu Jorim) is incredibly simple yet undeniably delicious. While it’s known as an easy side dish, some might hesitate, worrying about it breaking apart. I’ll share everything from a small, crucial tip to prevent tofu from crumbling, to the perfect seasoning blend for a mouthwatering result.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (preferably for pan-frying)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 bunch Green Onions (Scallions)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 100ml Water
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- A little Sesame Seeds
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 100ml Water
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- A little Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the firm tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2cm thick. After slicing, press the tofu gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent oil splattering when frying and to achieve a crispier texture. Lightly sprinkle the tofu with salt; this helps firm it up, preventing it from breaking apart during cooking. Thinly slice the onion and chop the green onions.
Step 2
The key to delicious braised tofu lies in the sauce! In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), oyster sauce, minced garlic, and water. Mix them well. Preparing the sauce in advance not only saves cooking time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeper taste.
Step 3
Heat a frying pan with a generous amount of cooking oil (or perilla oil for a nutty flavor). Place the prepared tofu slices in a single layer and pan-fry until golden brown on one side. Frying the tofu until its surface is golden ensures a pleasant texture and prevents it from breaking easily.
Step 4
Flip the tofu slices and continue to cook until they are evenly browned on all sides. Once the tofu’s surface is nicely colored, carefully pour the pre-mixed sauce around the edges of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the tofu simmer slowly, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5
As the sauce begins to thicken slightly, add the sliced onions and chopped green onions on top of the tofu. Baste the vegetables with the sauce using a spoon or ladle while it simmers. This process infuses the vegetables’ sweetness and aroma into the tofu, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 6
Continue to cook until the onions become translucent and the green onions soften, and the sauce reduces to a desirable consistency. Once the flavors are well-infused and the sauce has a glossy sheen, your spicy and savory braised tofu is ready!
Step 7
Carefully transfer the finished braised tofu into a storage container, arranging it neatly. Sprinkle a little more sesame seeds on top for an appealing finish and enhanced flavor. This makes for a delightful and hearty side dish, perfect to enjoy with a warm bowl of rice. Enjoy!
